Diamondback 2000 Master

Price Paid:  $950.00 at Wheels N Fitness

Favorite Ride:
Austin, TX

Bike Setup:
Mostly factory; added personal choice for saddles, Easton Carbon bars, Thompson seat posts.

Summary:
The Diamondback line has some awesome bikes; BMX, off-road, cyclocross to road bikes. They do vary from year to year, yet always are a good bang for the buck! You may have to watch the model and it helps to know the history to know if you are getting the best of the line. At 19-1/2 pounds with the components and parts found on this Master, along with the Diamondback name, this bike is one to have in your collection. We have five of these (same year and model) and each of us love them. We are still looking for a clean "like new" 54cm - contact us!

Strengths:
It is a Diamondback! To us that means a lot, especially the way it was built up!

Weaknesses:
Pulled the saddle, post, pedals and bar on each bike to "fit" them to each rider and shave a little more weight.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing outside the Diamndback family; Experts from both 2000 and 2002.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Action Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Spechts Store

Bike Setup:
Current Setup: 2000 Master frame (recently repainted) & Kinesis carbon fork, but that's where stock stops. I have replaced 105/Ultegra groupo with Campy Daytona (10s), including seatpost & pedals; ITM handlebar; Deda Zero stem; Flite Trans Am saddle.

Summary:
Incredible bike for the price. I was a bit leery buying a DB frame, stuck in the mentality of, "Don't they make BMX bikes?", but have been very impressed with it to date. Eight months and 2500 miles later, I am one happy camper...even more so with the new paint job. :)

Strengths:
Relatively light frame, carbon fork, nice componentry. Great bang for the buck.

Weaknesses:
Stock handlebar is too uncomfy, as is the saddle. An all-Ultegra groupo would have been superb, but also would have significantly raised the price. Touchup paint is impossible to come by, so do take care.

Similar Products Used:
1999 GT Force

Price Paid:  $900.00

Bike Setup:
Basically stock. I added a lighter seat, the stock seat is relatively heavy.

Summary:
This is my first road bike I have owned, and I couldn't be happier. I bought it before I knew anything about bikes, and now I realize what a deal I got, especially for 105/Ultegra. The tires alone price out at $90 for the pair, retail. Mavic wheels, and the fork are all icing. Like I wrote above, I changed the seat, though, and saved 1/4 lb. Still, I recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great buy, and you don't need something everyone else has.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $900.00

Bike Setup:
Stock w/computer and CODA seat.

Summary:
Awsome Buy. I have less than 300 miles on it, but this bike has make the shift from mountain biking to road training very enjoyable. I'd give it 5, except for the seat and harsh ride on country roads.

Strengths:
Light, stiff aluminum frame-climes well and is responsive.
Great price for components (complete 105 w/Ultegra crank and rear derailer).

Weaknesses:
Stiff frame-good for most highway and city roads-not for country roads. VERY Uncomfortable seat-plan on changing it.

Similar Products Used:
None

Favorite Ride:
Old Dark Hollow, BrianHead, Utah

Bike Setup:
Standard road with pump and seatbag

Summary:
For a real low price you get great components, A carbon fiber fork, and a great climbing stiff aluminum frame. Don't plan any centuries. Better to spend a little more for titanium for the long rides.

Strengths:
Very Light and a great price for Ultegra and 105 mix. Real plus is the Ultegra cranks, carbon forks and michelin axiel pro tires. Corners acurate and climbs great!

Weaknesses:
Stiff frame. Wheels need substantial tweeking (out of the box) to get a good true. Have your dealer work them over before you ride.

Similar Products Used:
I had a Diamondback expert previously. It was heavier and much less refined.